Ashley Zehnder: Healthy Lunch Option –Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers

Black Bean and Quinoa burgers are a healthy, filling, cost-effective, and easy to make lunch option. Both quinoa and black beans are high in fiber and protein, meaning that this is a great meal for heart health and digestion.

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, in a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and use your hands or a fork to mash the beans. Make sure that everything is thoroughly mixed so that the mixture is almost paste-like and is easy to form into patties.

Separate the mixture into four equally sized balls and shape each ball into a patty that is between ¼ inch and ½ inch thick. Using an oven-safe frying pan, cook the patties over a heat with olive oil. Allow each side to cook for one minute or until brown. After each side has cooked for one minute, transfer the frying pan into the oven and bake the burgers for 15 minutes.

Serve the burgers on whole-grain buns, fresh greens, and any other toppings to your choice.